From the Taal Volcano eruption all the way to COVID-19 and the dolomite issue, 2020 did not hold back. While the year is (thankfully) coming to a close, a lot of the social issues we’ve dealt with have decided to come along—unasked, unbidden—into the new year.
In case you’ve forgotten, here are most of the articles we’ve written on government, as well as social and health issues in the past year:
January
Taal Volcano erupts, island declared off limits
New coronavirus strain detected in Cebu City
February
Senate passes Anti-Terrorism Bill
Rice Tariffication Bill signed into law
The PNP issues memorandum circular ordering updated list of Muslim students in Metro Manila
March
Luzon placed under quarantine
Koko Pimentel breaks quarantine guidelines, and other stories of privilege
Metro Manila hospitals declare full capacity due to COVID-19 cases
The government gets a budget, but offers no concrete COVID-19 plans
April
Lockdown unleashes police brutality
ECQ breach seen in Chinese vessel’s coal shipment
Rising trend in domestic abuse cases
Martial Law threats issued amid overflow of COVID cases
COVID-19 funds “fall short” and some petty squabbles
May
Congress pushes ABS-CBN shutdown
Rise in mental health cases noted
Sky-high electricity bills receive public furor
Anemic response to COVID-19 crisis slammed
The public calls for transparency in COVID-19 funds
The mañanita saga begins
Anti-Terror Bill gains traction in the Congress
June
A bill seeking to rename NAIA filed amid pandemic
Cebu docs thumb down Gwen Garcia’s “tuob” reco
Congress approves Duterte’s “urgent” Anti-Terrorism Bill
Lawmakers deny involvement in the Anti-Terror Bill
Fake Facebook accounts flourish
Rappler’s Maria Ressa and Rey Santos Jr. are convicted of cyber libel
On the rise: red-tagging, unlawful arrests and even more police brutality
Jeepney phaseout seen but Robredo asks “What of traditional jeepney drivers?”
July
Philhealth corruption scandal is exposed
Anti-Terrorism Law takes effect
The ABS-CBN shutdown and the press freedom issue
Mañanita cop leads harassment of retired police’s family
Senate passes Bayanihan Heal as One 2, adds to COVID-19 budget
President urges use of gasoline to disinfect virus away
DOH endorses case against Koko Pimentel for quarantine violation
August
More government inaction on COVID-19 hit
QC ostrich’s escape try goes viral
AFP: Anti-Terror Law to include social media posts
September
2021 mental health budget mowed down
“Life’s a (dolomite) beach” trends
Dictator’s birthday to become a holiday in Ilocos
Philhealth controversy refuses to die down
October
Duterte’s SALN remains a secret
DENR official berates UP scientists on “dolomite beach” issue
November
Typhoons Quinta, Rolly, and Ulysses wreak havoc
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas gets (unnecessary) new logo
December
Cop shoots unarmed mother and son after altercation
Duque denies “dropping the ball” on COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccine updates